Chapter Text
“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” - C.S Lewis
Makoto blinked awake, taking in his surroundings. White walls, white sheets and a white ceiling. This was not his room. He tried to sit up and winced at the pain that shot through his upper body.
“Tachibana-san! You’re awake! Do you remember what happened?” A nurse asked him from his side.
Makoto blinked, recalling what had happened.
“Where’s Haru?” He demanded, voice slightly cracking because of the pain in his throat.
“Nanase-san is alright, he’s in the bed to your left.”
Makoto looked over, staring at Haru. Haru’s body was covered in bandages and his left leg was elevated, his whole lower leg covered in a cast.
“Haru…” If only I had gotten there earlier.
“Tachibana-san, about your injuries…”
“Ah! Right!” Makoto snapped his attention back to the nurse.
“You have third degree burns on your upper body, we have them wrapped and treated, and you inhaled a lot of smoke, so you might find some difficulty breathing or speaking. If you do experience difficulty breathing please let us know immediately.”
“Alright. That’s fine.” Makoto took a deep breath. “And what about Haru?”
The nurse’s eyes darkened a bit, “Nanase-san has third degree burns over his whole body, and his left ankle bones were completely broken. He also may experience difficulty breathing and speaking.”
Makoto stared at Haru’s leg. “Will he be able to swim again?”
“With the right treatment he will be, but he will need surgery and physical therapy afterwards.”
“Alright. Thank you.”
“You're welcome. I’ll leave you to rest now but if you need anything there is a call button on the table next to your bed. Please use it if you ever need anything or if Nanase-san wakes up.”
The nurse left the room after seeing Makoto nod. As soon as the nurse left Makoto directed his attention to Haru, watching him sleep.